Over the years I have read many books. Some become favourites I read time and time again. Others strike me as a definite to add to my favourite list.

I decided to review some of these books in the hope that others may enjoy them as I have.

The reviews below reflect only my own thoughts on these novels.

Happy reading!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Green Rose by Stephanie Burkhart

Title: The Green Rose

Author: Stephanie Burkhart

Publisher:Desert Breeze Publishing

Pages: 130 pages

Genre: Sensual Romance

A strong, dark wizard kidnaps two kings of Gaia so he can rule the world. The kings' heirs must recover the Green Rose to help the remaining monarchs bring order out of the chaos.

N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock are the four countries of Gaia and their rulers made the green rose to protect the land. To describe the green rose I must borrow the author's words.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

The rose was hidden in the centre of the Tagrassé Forest, looked after by three witches.

Sonia heir to Tapin, and Ivánstan heir to Daháka, set forth on the journey to recover the rose and bring it back to the two remaining monarchs. With the rose's help they hope to defeat the wizard and renew the defenses of Gaia. Their bonded companions, Hiro - Sonia's hawk and Draco - Ivánstan's dragon, are an invaluable help as the journey progresses. Gabriel, once betrothed to Sonia, betrayed his country and sided with the wizard. As they continue their quest, Gabriel tries to obtain the rose and have Sonia for himself.

Ivánstan has magic which he uses to protect them both. He discovers Sonia is unaware of her own magic and teaches her how to protect herself. As their journey takes them into danger and mystery, the two try to fight their attraction for each other. Both believe as heirs a marriage would not be possible for heirs of different kingdoms.

I thought at first this would be a "back into middle ages" type of book, but I was wrong. Magic plays a big part in this story with the help of dragons, hawks, ravens and jaguars. The attraction between the main characters start as slightly more than a passing interest and develops into an intense emotional feeling between the two. Again magic comes into play in their relationship. The Green Rose is a wonderfully imaginative book solving the problems of kingdoms and individuals in a thoroughly unique way, while keeping the reader interested from page one through to the end.

Sue Perkins Author

About Me

Hi, I'm Sue and I grew up in Devon, England.
My husband and I spent some years travelling the world before starting a family. In 1986 we emigrated to New Zealand and subsequently became New Zealand citizens.
My children are now the world travellers while my husband and I live at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. My interests include writing, reading, genealogy and aqua jogging.